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December 5, 2009

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Letter: Dog, cat may have died cruel death for gloves or coat

Friday, Nov. 26, 1999 | 9:21 a.m.

The truth is, we can't.

Nonlabeling, mislabeling, and the wide use of pseudonyms for cat and dog fur make it nearly impossible in many cases for virtually any consumer to know what he or she is buying, whether in the U.S. or when traveling. The trade in fur involves global interaction and exchange. Animals may be killed in one country, processed in another, and the finished garment or accessory sold in a store or market anywhere in the world.

That alone would be enough reason to stop buying fur. But there's more. The fact is that dog and cat fur is just a part of the fur industry -- it's all connected, and the trade in domestic cat and dog fur and skin is closely linked to the mainstream fur trade. Investigators found that furriers dealing in all species of animals traditionally exploited for "pelt production" may trade in dogs and cats as well. But it is unlikely that consumers know the truth, and it is probable that even retailers, store buyers, and designers may be unaware of the real source of some of the fur they buy or use.

LINDA FASO

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